Patents Represented by Attorney Mark S. Bicks
  • Patent number: 6388197
    Abstract: A high voltage insulator has a fiberglass reinforced core surrounded by a polymer weathershed housing with a plurality of fins. Metal fittings are located at both ends of the insulator and are connected to the weathershed housing by shielding collars. A corona protection device of semiconductive elastomeric material is attached or bonded to the exterior of the shielding collar or the metal fitting. The interface between the corona protection device and the shielding collar or metal fitting may include a sealant or other compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Tiebin Zhao, Jeffrey Kester, John A. Krause
  • Patent number: 6386891
    Abstract: A multiport assembly has an electrical circuit board that floats within an enclosure assembly, thereby reducing the tolerance variation and providing a multiport assembly that is easy to assemble. The enclosure assembly has a first housing cover that has a first plurality of recesses and a second housing cover that has a second plurality of recesses. The second housing cover mates with the first housing cover, thereby creating the enclosure assembly. A plurality of openings are formed in the enclosure assembly by the alignment of the first plurality of recesses with the second plurality of recesses when the first and second housing covers are mated. Brass shells are connected to the electrical circuit board that is disposed within the enclosure assembly. Each shell extends through one of the plurality of openings in the enclosure assembly for supporting the electrical circuit board in a position spaced from the enclosure assembly so that the electrical circuit board floats within the enclosure assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Carol A. Howard, Ward E. Strang
  • Patent number: 6354717
    Abstract: A light shielding and reflecting device is connected to a luminaire reflector that is quickly and easily adjustable to alter the emitted beam configuration. The luminaire includes a housing, a lamp with optical sides mounted in the housing, a main reflector mounted in the housing about the lamp, and a removable reflector shield having a plurality of tabs releasably engaging openings in the main reflector. The shield is positioned to block light from emitting into an undesired area and redirects that light to a desired area. A second shield can be used depending on the desired beam configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: James P. Wang
  • Patent number: 6353180
    Abstract: A fire-rated, poke-through floor fitting preferably for use in a three inch diameter bore within a floor. The fitting has an electrical receptacle that is sized to fit within the three inch bore. The receptacle preferably has two pairs of electrical outlets coupled to the electrical receptacle along with four voice/data jacks. The fitting provides a high number of electrical outlets and voice/data jacks, while maintaining a relatively low profile and easy accessibility. Each pair of electrical outlets can be separately connected to different power sources or each pair can be connected to the same power source. The bus bars of the receptacle can have various configurations, including non-overlapping orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph V. DeBartolo, Jr., Peter A. Czerner, Nelson Bonilla, Alfred N. Goodman
  • Patent number: 6347715
    Abstract: A patch panel assembly includes a panel that has opposing first and second end portions with a plurality of panel securing apertures located on each end portion. A cable management bar is releasably coupled to the panel and has opposing first and second arm portions with tab securing elements extending therefrom that correspond to and engage the panel securing apertures. First and second cover members are coupled to the panel at each of the first and second end portions. Each of the first and second cover members cover the tab securing elements of the cable management bar when coupled with the panel. Slots for holding identification labels are also disposed in the outer surfaces of the first and second cover members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Lee M. Drozdenko, Steven O. Fournier, Robert C. Baxter
  • Patent number: 6348686
    Abstract: A multifunction adapter for use in a motion sensor module holds a lens at the front of the adapter in a predetermined position and distance relative to a sensor mounted on a circuit board, and uses positioning projections at the rear of the adapter to set a predetermined distance of the adapter from the sensor and the circuit board. The adapter can be adjusted to set the focal point of the lens at an optimized position for the sensor. Additionally, a cover that shrouds the sensor is present on the rear side of the adapter for reducing or eliminating air flowing across and around the sensor. When the sensor is a passive infrared device, the reduction in air flowing around and across the sensor reduces the number of false signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Carol A. Howard, Ward E. Strang
  • Patent number: 6338643
    Abstract: A wiring unit for an electrical connector having a housing with a first side and an opposing second side, an attaching portion on the second side and a latching portion adjacent the attaching portion. The latching portion couples the wiring unit to a standard support. Electrical wiring terminals are coupled to the housing and can receive electrical wires. A stuffer cap is selectively coupled to the terminals and the attaching portion. When the stuffer cap is coupled to the attachment portion, attachment of the electrical wires to the terminals using an impact tool can be accomplished without damaging the latching portion since the stuffer cap spaces the latching portion from the support surface when the wires are forced into the terminals. When the stuffer cap is coupled to the terminals, the stuffer cap eliminates or substantially reduces oxidation or corrosion on the terminals and wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Alan C. Miller, John J. Milner, Raul G. Pereira
  • Patent number: 6338564
    Abstract: An optical housing is formed from a blank and a reflector mounting plate. The blank is scored to allow it to be folded into a box with a base and four walls. The box has a circular hole in the base and two wall tabs at the end of each of the four walls. The reflector mounting plate has wall tab slots that receive the wall tabs from the four walls and couples the two parts of the housing together. A set of reflectors is mounted to the reflector mounting plate in a predetermined reflector pattern. Another set of reflectors is mounted to the base of the box in a circular pattern. A third reflector fits into the circular hole in the base of the box and is mounted to the base. A light source is attached to the base of the box and extends vertically through a hole in the third reflector and partially beyond the first set of reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: David L. Jordan, Gerry F. Thornton
  • Patent number: 6332695
    Abstract: A light fixture having an adjustable reflector is supported on a deployment bar. An actuation screw passes through the deployment bar and engages a threaded stud. Threading the actuation screw into and out of the threaded stud bends the deployment bar, which in turn pushes against the reflector adjusting the angle of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: James P. Wang
  • Patent number: 6332597
    Abstract: A supporting structure, including a bracket brace and a bracket is disclosed. Preferably, the brace has an inside section and an outside section that move relative to each other. A portion of the inside section can be positioned completely within the outside section and each of the inside and outside sections have a pair of vertical portions. The brace also has a slot extending through the inside and outside sections. The bracket is coupled to the inside section of the brace and to each of the vertical portions of the outside sections of the brace. The bracket also has a coupling members in the form of threaded openings to secure a supported member; such as an electrical junction box, against the brace to prohibit relative movement between the brace and the bracket. The brace and bracket allow new, heavier lighting fixtures and ceiling fans to be safely supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Richard Swanson
  • Patent number: 6307152
    Abstract: A fire-rated, poke-through floor fitting preferably for use in a three inch diameter bore within a floor. The fitting has an electrical receptacle that is sized to fit within the three inch bore. The receptacle preferably has two pairs of electrical outlets coupled to the electrical receptacle along with four voice/data jacks. The fitting provides a high number of electrical outlets and voice/data jacks, while maintaining a relatively low profile and easy accessibility. Each pair of electrical outlets can be separately connected to different power sources or each pair can be connected to the same power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Nelson Bonilla, Rajiv D. Katwala
  • Patent number: 6307354
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating a DC power supply, adaptable for use with a motion sensor switch, by limiting the leakage to ground current of the power supply to comply with U.L. Standards while also enabling the DC power supply to provide a stable DC output voltage which is essentially unaffected by changes in magnitude of the AC supply voltage or changes in ambient temperature. The method and apparatus employs first and second transistors, in which the base and collector of the first transistor and the base and collector of the second transistor are coupled to receive a voltage based on the AC supply voltage, and the emitter of both the first and second transistors are coupled to drive an output circuit of the DC power supply. The emitter of the second transistor is also coupled via a first resistor to the base of the first transistor, and the collector of the second transistor is also coupled via a second resistor to the base of the first transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas S. Nishihira, David A. Blau, John R. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 6293812
    Abstract: A contact member or bridge for an electrical connector includes a bridge strap with a base plate and an abutment member coupled to and extending from the bridge strap. The base plate extends substantially perpendicular to the bridge strap and has an internally threaded bore. An abutment member extends adjacent a side edge of the base plate, and has planar surface extending perpendicularly to and facing the base plate. A clamping plate overlies the base plate, has a substantially straight side edge adjacent the planar surface and has a through bore. A screw extends through the bore in the clamping plate and threadedly engages the threaded bore in the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen R. Ewer, Jerry M. Presson, Mark S. Bicks
  • Patent number: 6289100
    Abstract: A communications station for use in a distributed audio system having two Hall-effect integrated circuits mounted on a printed circuit hook switch board, the hook switch board mounted within a handset cradle of the communications station. The Hall-effect integrated circuits place the communications station on-hook or off-hook, depending on the amount of ambient magnetic flux. The ambient magnetic flux varies with the presence or absence of a handset in the cradle. Thus, if a handset containing a magnet is in the cradle, and the applied magnetic flux is greater than the predetermined flux necessary to affect the Hall-effect integrated circuit, the communications station will go on-hook. When the handset and the resultant flux is removed from the cradle, the Hall-effect integrated circuit will change state and the communications station will go off-hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: David T. Ritter, Charles M. Farmer
  • Patent number: 6276818
    Abstract: A luminaire housing has a frame with a securing member, a door panel releasably coupled to the frame and movable between open and closed positions. A latch assembly on the door panel releasably secures the door panel to the securing member of the frame. The latch assembly includes a fastening member received in a fastener slot of the door panel, a safety spring latch with a top camming portion, an intermediate body poron extending from the top camming portion, and a guide leg member extending from the intermediate body portion and attached to the door panel. A slide lock has a rail hole that slidably receives the guide leg member and has an aperture for receiving the fastener member. The slide lock is movable between a locked position engaged with the securing member to lock the door panel in the closed position and a release position disengaged and spaced from the securing member to allow the door panel to move toward the open position and to allow the safety spring latch to engage the securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: James P. Wang
  • Patent number: 6273752
    Abstract: A modular connector panel has a planar front panel with opposite surfaces. A plurality of panel openings extend through the panel in an aligned array. Support members extend from a surface of the panel and have near ends connected to the panel and remote ends spaced from the panel. Abutments extend laterally from the remote ends of the support members and parallel to the panel, and have abutment surfaces facing the panel. The abutments are arranged in pairs, with each pair being aligned with a panel opening. A connector can be coupled by engaging a pair of abutments and extending into a panel opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Dale D. Martin, Steven O. Fournier, Rudolph A. Montgelas
  • Patent number: 6274809
    Abstract: An electrical floor box having more than four outlets around a central access area. Each outlet has a wiring compartment formed from interlocking partitions with only the rear of each wiring compartment formed from the perimeter walls of the box. The partitions interlock through the use of a tab and slot system. A wire tunnel is positioned at the bottom of the central access area of the box and is formed from two pieces to enable easy removal of the wire tunnel and to facilitate access to the wires therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Albert A. Pudims, Thomas J. Vigorito
  • Patent number: 6256852
    Abstract: A tool (10) for installing an anti-flashover ring (140) onto a cylindrical device includes a housing (12) with an inner wall (24) with an extending edge (26). A plunger assembly (50) is slidably coupled to the housing (12) and carries the ring (140). The cylindrical device or bushing insert is received in the housing and the plunger assembly positions the ring onto the cylindrical device and the extending edge presses the ring onto the cylindrical device. A rod axially disposed in the housing and fixed to the plunger assembly is received in a bore (119) of the bushing insert (110) and assists in the positioning of the ring. The plunger assembly (50) includes a plunger (52) having a closed end (54) opposite an open end, the plunger has an interior plunger wall (60) with a spring lip (66). A holding collar (90) is slidably received in the plunger and a collar spring (100) is disposed between the plunger and the holding collar for biasing the holding collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward H. Decker
  • Patent number: 6250951
    Abstract: An electrical connector has a connector body with a cable cavity at its cable connection end and a strain relief coupled to the connector body adjacent the cable connection end. The strain relief extends into the cable cavity. A wire spacer is mounted in the cable cavity adjacent to strain relief. This spacer has a central core and four radially outwardly projecting flanges. The flanges are angular spaced from one another by angles of substantially 90 degrees. The spacer maintains separation of twisted wired pairs in a cable which is secured to the connector by the strain relief to enhance the electrical performance of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: John J. Milner, Joseph E. Dupuis, Alan C. Miller, Karl E. Mortensen
  • Patent number: 6213799
    Abstract: The anti-flashover ring of the present invention includes a substantially cylindrical body having an outer surface with a plurality of passageways thereon. Each of the passageways pass from one of the sidewalls through the body to the other of the sidewalls of the ring. The passageways function to provide fluid communication between the atmosphere surrounding an accessory product such as a bushing insert and the interior of a connector mounted thereon when the connector is being pulled off the bushing insert. The fluid communication prevents a vacuum from forming between the connector and the bushing insert that can lead to a flashover between an electrical probe in the connector and a ground shield of the bushing insert. The anti-flashover ring is also configured to provide an indication to the operator installing the connector of when the connector is fully installed on the bushing insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Roy E. Jazowski, Edward H. Decker